This is the time of year I always miss Mom the most, I have invited Amber to spend it with us, since it will be her first Christmas without her mom, I remember when dad and I had our first Christmas without her.
Dad didn't want to go to the tree farm that year to cut one down, that was really something she liked from her childhood, we got a nice white fake tree, strung on blue lights and only put her favorites on the tree, and we placed a angel on top instead of a star, we found simple small ways to include her in Christmas.
It took time to find happiness in the season.
Tony suggested asking Amber to the teams Holiday Party since we are a really diverse group, an area in the shop is cleared, white lights brought in to hang around, trees, manoras all the different things that cover everything and it is done so tastefully it looks spectacular and you wonder why more people don't embrace celebrating them all in the name of peace.
"Not a bad idea, Tony but what about you guys? I think the girls would enjoy it."
"True, but I can see you like her, I know you may not want to acknowledge it, but I sense you have developed feelings for her, more then just friends" Tony knows he is right, it's in his tone of voice.
"Maybe lately, do feel a bond but it seems pain based, I didn't feel lonely recently, not till almost dying, never really dated, you know I was so focused on my career of racing, felt married to speed" not sure why I said it that way, he does know, the two of us worked together.
"I know, bro I want to see you happy, like I am, love my family, I have no regrets, doesn't hurt to ask, maybe a date before the party and her coming for Christmas eve" he winks.
"I'll think about it, maybe she only sees us as friends, besides it feels to soon after her mom passing" I had been in a haze, even if someone had flirted I wouldn't of been able to tell, completely out of it, I think about how well she seems to be holding up.
Talk about timing, Tony and I talking about Amber and she knocks on the door.
Dad was closest to the door and answered it, greeted her with a smile and hug, "What brings you here on a Saturday my dear? not back to work so soon are you?"
"No not catching up with work just yet, I would like to see if there is anything special I can do for you all, you have been incredibly helpful since my first day here. Starting with my car and been supportive ever since and I would love to do something special to show my appreciation"
"Your a sweetheart, no special show if appreciation needed, we know how grateful you are. Besides it is just the way things should be, it shouldn't be seen as special, kindness should be normal." Dad has a very valid point.
Not sure what happened to the world that such simple acts of kindness equaled a need to have a special show of gratitude.
"But I want to, I feel helpless, and your family done so much simplely being here for me, I need to do something." her tone full of grief, she needed a distraction from her pain, after all she now lived alone, once a care giver it seems always a care giver.
I noticed in the package she had received at the news they did all they could do, they had support lines of what to do when you find yourself no longer a care giver, some helpful hints and tips of relaxation,, but did I point that out, no, I got brave, not sure how but understand why and out came....
"Amber would you like to go to the movies with me?" can't believe I asked her out like that. More shocking her reply.
"If you are just trying to distract me from doing something special for your family it won't work but I would enjoy a movie while your family thinks of something that they're enjoy." a big smile on Amber's face, Dad laughing and Tony chimes in "How is your cooking? a dinner would be nice."
Now the girls have come downstairs, "did you come to swim?" they have their swimsuits on with towels over their shoulders.
"I could go home and get my swimming stuff if your inviting me to join you?" looking at my nieces, she has become so fond of them, I too have enjoyed them living here, they call dad grandpa and it makes him so happy, I almost wish they had moved in sooner.
This really is a beautiful side effect of my accident, Tony back from Bali, like my best friend never left, finally living like brothers and a new friend I wouldn't have met if not for the need of phyiso, and if sparks even better as everyone already likes her and includes her.
"I will be back for that swim, Jonathan was the movie for tonight? I can grab a outfit and we can go after the swim."
"Works for me, looking forward to it" a smile appears on everyone's faces.
Dad closes the door, looks at me grins and comments "about time you asked her out"
"What?! Are all of you pushing for this? she may not see me as more then a friend." I see them all smiling.
Doesn't take long before Amber returns, no one has stopped smiling, we are all enjoying the pool, loved that it's covered now. Amber quietly asks "why all the smiles?" I whisper in her ear "they think going to the movies is a date, that by Christmas dinner you'll be my girlfriend"
To my shock and some excitement she whispers back to me, "I like that idea, you can be my Christmas present".